In recent times, Tasmanian households have recorded healthy growth in household income. In 2005-06, the median weekly gross household income in Tasmania was $850. This was an increase of 18.1% on the 2003-04 estimate of $720 and 38.9% on the 2000-01 estimate of $612.

In 2005-06, the Tasmanian median weekly equivalised disposable household income (household income adjusted to facilitate comparison between different sized households) was $486. This was a 15.7% increase on the 2003-04 estimate of $420 and a 38.9% increase on the 2000-01 estimate of $350.

In 2005-06, wages and salaries were the main source of household income in Tasmania. They contributed 52.8% to total household income, followed by a 31.5% contribution from government pensions and allowances, and a 6.5% contribution from unincorporated business income. Government pensions and allowances recorded a decline in their contribution to total household income, from 36.6% in 2003-04 to 31.5% in 2005-06.

PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME, Tasmania

HOME OWNERSHIP

On Census night 2006, 36.8% of all occupied private dwellings in Tasmania were fully owned. The local government areas (LGAs) with the highest percentage of home ownership were Tasman (52.1%) followed by Break O'Day (49.6%) and Glamorgan/Spring Bay (48.8%). Brighton was the LGA with the lowest percentage of home ownership (20.8%) followed by Hobart (32.0%) and Launceston (32.1%).

HOME OWNERSHIP, Tasmanian occupied private dwellingsby LGA

HOUSING RENT PAID

On Census night 2006, the median weekly rent paid for occupied private dwellings in Tasmania was $135. The most expensive LGAs in which to rent were Hobart and Kingborough, each with a median weekly rent of $180 followed by West Tamar, Clarence and Sorell with a median weekly rent of $150. At the same time, Central Highlands LGA was the cheapest place to rent with a median weekly rent of $50, followed by Flinders ($71) and Southern Midlands ($88).

MEDIAN WEEKLY RENT PAID, Tasmanian occupied private dwellings,by LGA

HOUSEHOLD HOUSING LOAN REPAYMENT

On Census night 2006, the median monthly home loan repayment for occupied private dwellings in Tasmania was $867. Hobart residents had the highest median monthly home loan repayment ($1,138), followed by Kingborough residents ($1,040) and Clarence residents ($975). West Coast residents had the lowest median monthly home loan repayment ($500), followed by King Island residents ($609), and Break O'Day, Central Highlands and Tasman residents (all with $650).

In 2003-04, food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for the largest expenditure by Tasmanian households on goods and services, contributing 17.8% of total household expenditure. (Expenditure on these items has declined from 19.3% in 1993-94 and from 18.3% in 1998-99.)

Transport was the second biggest expenditure item in 2003-04, contributing 16.9% of total household expenditure. (Expenditure on this item has increased from 14.9% in 1993-94 and from 16.0% in 1998-99.)

In 2003-04, housing costs contributed 13.0% of total household expenditure. (Expenditure on this item has increased from 11.4% in 1993-94 and from 11.9% in 1998-99.)

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL GOODS AND SERVICES EXPENDITURE, Tasmania

HOUSEHOLD ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

In 2005-06, average (mean) household net worth in Tasmania was $406,600 compared to $324,900 in 2003-04. Average household assets in 2005-06 were $458,500 comprising of $109,200 in financial assets and $349,200 in non-financial assets. On the other side of the ledger, average Tasmanian household liabilities in 2005-06 were $51,800 of which property loans contributed $44,900.